Terrible Foods for your Teeth

All good things take effort, including a healthy white smile. In addition to your daily dental routine of flossing, brushing, and rinsing, it’s important to avoid specific foods that pose a threat to your dental health. If you regularly consume any of the following foods, it may be time to reconsider your eating habits for the sake of your teeth!

Sour candies

Of course candy is terrible for your mouth, but sour candies are some of the absolute worst. Sour candy includes specific acids that are even tougher on your teeth. Also, these chewy sour candies will remain on the teeth for a longer period of time. This can result in greater tooth decay. If you do decide to eat these particular kinds of candies, make sure to brush and floss soon after so you can get rid of any sticky build up and acid.

Bread

Who would’ve thought that bread can be bad for your teeth? Well, it is and here’s why: when you chew bread, it breaks down into a pasty substance that can get lodged between your teeth and cause cavities. Those spaces between your teeth can also be unreachable by your toothbrush. The solution? Floss and brush after you eat!

Alcohol

No surprise here. It is common knowledge that drinking alcohol isn’t a particularly healthy habit—in part because it will dry out your mouth. A dry mouth is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria to grow. Without sufficient saliva, food particles can’t be washed away from your teeth. Overtime, cavities, oral infections, and gum disease can form.

Potato chips

That delightfully salty and crunchy sensation in your mouth isn’t doing you any favors. Potato chips rank pretty high in the world of starch. Starch forms into sugar as it breaks down and can get stuck between the crevices of the teeth. The sugar will then act as food for the bacteria in plaque to grow.

Arrange a consultation

As you’ve noticed, the solution to most of these “terrible for your teeth” foods (other than avoiding them altogether) is to floss and brush right after eating them. To help stave off cavities, schedule your next dental cleaning today by calling Agnini Family Dental at (863) 682-1500.

Dental Care Advice for a Healthy Halloween

October marks the beginning of the sweet treat triad of holidays: Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. This month, kick the season off right with a healthy Halloween. Here are some practical tips for how to keep your teeth healthy.

Be picky about the candy you eat

Candies that stay in the mouth for an extended period, like suckers, should be avoided. The amount of time a sugary sweet is in your mouth contributes to tooth decay.

Say no to sticky sweets

Sticky candy like taffy or gummy candies will stick to your teeth and take longer to wash away. The remnants will enhance your risk of tooth decay.

Eat healthy

If you are eating a diet rich in whole foods, fiber, and protein you will feel more satiated and less hungry. This is particularly important during Halloween when there’s candy at every corner vying for your attention. If you are eating the right vitamins and nutrients, your body is less likely to crave sweets and candies that only provide empty calories. Consider partnering with a friend this season to help each other stay on track and eat the right foods. If you are eating right most of the time, don’t completely ban yourself from sweets and candies. Let your self-take the occasional splurge and enjoy it. As you eat less sugar overtime, you may find your desire to eat it lessens considerably.

Make a plan

If you are the type to collect candy throughout October leading up to Halloween, consider only keeping your absolute favorites. Donate or give away the rest. Some communities have local organizations that gift candy to troops overseas.

Brushing twice a day, followed by flossing and rinsing will do wonders to maintain a healthy smile. Opt for a soft-bristled toothbrush and consciously clean all surfaces of your teeth for a total of 2 minutes.

Visit your dentist

One of the best ways to guard against tooth decay this Halloween is to make sure you see your dentist twice a year for a dental cleaning. Call Agnini Family Dental to schedule your appointment today. You can reach our North Lakeland office at 863-682-1500. We wish you a Happy and Healthy Halloween!

What our Patients are Saying

" My first appointments with Agnini Family Dental were with Dr. Mike for treatment for TMJ. Through realignment of my jaw Dr. Agnini was able to ease all of the pain. It has been almost 10 years since I started with them and I have continued with them for cleanings, crowns, extractions and even an implant. I have received care from almost every Agnini and all of the work has been excellent. I would not even consider going to anyone else."